Mrs. Lucy J. (Rosato) Beno

Mrs. Lucy J. (Rosato) Beno, age 91, of Utica, passed away on Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with the love and support of her family. Born in Utica on August 18, 1920, Lucy was the daughter of the late William O. and Rosemary (Bonanza) Rosato. Raised and educated locally, she was a member of the first graduating class of T.R. Proctor High School. She continued her education at the Utica School of Commerce. On April 7, 1945 in California she wed Phillip P. Beno with whom she shared a union of 67 years that had its spark when Lucy and Phil met in the 7th grade at Wetmore School. Theirs was a marriage graced by great love, constant care, and deep dedication to each other and to their family. Lucy’s working life was diverse. She held a position as a warehouse clerk in San Pedro, California, worked as a secretary for the New York State Tax Department, and lastly served as a stenographer for the New York State Department of Labor, the position from which she retired in 1982. Lucy was also a fine and talented artist working in multiple mediums. At one time, she was employed at a publishing company as a proofreader. A dutiful mother and a woman who took notice of community needs, she was involved with the PTA serving at one time as President at Conkling School. She was a longtime parishioner of St. Agnes Church, often volunteering her time supporting their activities, and was responsible for setting up their accounting system which was still being used until it’s consolidation with St. Anthony of Padua Church. Lucy was admired for her incredibly generous spirit, and she was instrumental in keeping her family united. A gracious hostess, a superb cook, and a fine seamstress, Lucy was meticulous in all aspects of her life. Notably, many would remember the banners she created for her home parish of St. Agnes. She was also graced with the gift of vocals and embraced the standards and classics. Above all, her family was most important as reflected in the many dinners and gatherings at her home. Lucy is survived by her devoted husband, Phillip; her cherished son and daughter-in-law, Charles W. “Charlie” and Gwen Beno of North Utica; her grandchildren, Dr. Kevin Mahoney and his wife Dr. Christine Kilczewski, and Korynne Mahoney; and two great-grandchildren, Rowan, and Scout Adele. She also leaves her sister, Josephine “Lily” Rosato of Utica; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Daniel “Dan” Rosato of Utica, Anthony and Carmella Rosato of Whitesboro, and Dennis and Victoria Rosato of NJ; and Marilyn Fairbanks Singer Cohen who Lucy loved as a sister, as well as Marilyn’s family; her aunt, Josephine Bonanza; many nieces and nephews, William and Janice Rosato, Steven and Barbara Rosato, Andrew and Suzanne Rosato, David and Michelle Rosato, Miriam and Kenneth Dell; Patricia and James Livecchi, Catherine and Dave Florek, and their families; as well as her many Beno nieces and nephews, Charles “Chuck” Beno, Dr. Barbara Beno, Dr. Jeanne Beno, Linda Beno, Kathy Beno, Cindy Beno, Dr. Christopher Peckins, and Angela Peckins, and their children; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a sister-in-law, Betty Moane of Fort Plain, NY. She was predeceased by her brother and sister-in-law, Phillip O. and Mary Ann Rosato; her sister-in-law, Elen A. Rosato; her in-laws, Peter Beno, Toni Peckins-Wallace, Joseph and Helen Beno, and Frank Moane; and her nephew, Phillip W. Rosato. The family wishes to thank the physicians of the St. Luke’s Home, especially Dr. Mark Parshall, Dr. Nicholas Peters, and Dr. Bruce Elwell; the nurses and staff of the St. Luke’s Home notably Barton East and Clark East, all of whom shared much kindness, sensitivity and dedicated care; and the physicians and nursing staff of the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center Emergency Room. A special thank you is offered to Leanore Checchi for all the love and care given to Lucy and Phillip. Gratitude is offered to Msgr. Francis Willenburg, their longtime pastor and friend, for his many years of spiritual guidance. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial which will be offered on Friday morning at 10:30 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church officiated by Msgr. Francis Willenburg. Interment will take place in St. Agnes Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mrs. Lucy J. (Rosato) Beno

August 18, 1920 - May 6, 2012